Business

For many people, the word "networking" conjures up an uncomfortable picture: a crowded room, forced small talk, business cards pushed into hands and the constant feeling that everyone else knows what they are doing. Yet conferences are still one of the best places to meet people in your field, find collaborators, learn about opportunities and make friends who understand your work. The good news is that effective networking does not require becoming an extrovert. It requires a few practical strategies that make it feel more like having conversations and less like selling yourself. Reframe what networking is Networking is not about collecting as many contacts as possible. It is about having a small number of genuine conversations with people you find interesting. Three good conversations a...

You do not need a ballroom, a celebrity guest or a big sponsorship budget to raise meaningful money for a good cause. Some of the most successful community fundraisers run on borrowed space, donated food and an energetic group of volunteers. What they do have is a clear goal, a simple format and good communication. Here is how to host a charity fundraiser on a small budget, from choosing the cause to thanking your donors. 1. Start with a clear goal Before you pick a date or a venue, decide exactly what you are raising money for and how much you need. "Raising money for the animal shelter" is vague. "Raising $2,000 to cover a month of food and vet care for the shelter's dogs" gives people something concrete to support and gives you a way to measure success. Talk to the charity first: they...